The Hostages Teach us About Shabbos

As the freed hostages from captivity in Gaza continue to recount their stories of how they survived about two years in the most horrific and vile conditions, they are telling us about what sustained them. It was faith in G-d that gave them the strength to cope with this hell on earth. Several of the hostages strengthened their commitment to Shabbos in captivity. Eli Sharabi, in interviews and in his book, has said that they would make kiddush every Friday night on a cup of water. They would sing the songs Shalom Aleichem and Aishes Chayil before making Kiddush. Bar Kupershtein, another freed hostage, retells how he and his fellow hostages would raise their voices in the tunnels and sing all the prayers on Friday night. ​ There are many layers to this most extraordinary display of faith and conviction. One of the lessons for all of us is to redouble our own connection in any way that we can. This applies to everyone, no matter how Shabbos-observant or not; one may practice throughout the year. This year, we are once again proud to partner with the Kollel to bring the Shabbos Project to our community. Several years ago, the Shabbos Project began modestly and has since grown into a major global movement. The 2025 Shabbat Project will unite Jews from all walks of life across 1,500 cities and 100 countries to celebrate Shabbat in a spirit of joy and unity. In Israel alone, more than one million people are expected to take part. ​ Here in Jacksonville, over the course of the Shabbos Project, many people have kept the entire Shabbos for the first time. This year, we salute and honor everyone’s commitment to Shabbos, especially those who are coming to our neighborhood to experience the entire Shabbos. ​ As there is increased turmoil and external threats to our people, including the United States, it is so important to turn inward and be strengthened by the power of faith and Shabbos. Bar Kupershtein, upon his release, said his motto that kept him alive for 738 days in the closest thing to hell on earth was knowing he was always in the hands of the Creator of the world. Our commitment and relationship with Shabbos is a declaration to the world that we are always in the hands of the Creator of the world. Now more than ever, we need to once again make that declaration, loud and proud. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch